India successfully launches nuclear capable 'Agni-I' missile

The missile which can carry 1000-kg nuclear warhead was tested by the armed forces as part of user trial.

It was test-fired from a mobile launcher at about 11.10 in the morning from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island.

The launch was undertaken as a part of periodic training activity by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) to further consolidate operational readiness.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) spokesman Ravi Kumar Gupta termed the launch “successful”.

"The entire exercise was conducted in a perfect manner and the trial was totally successful," media quoted him as saying.

According to defence sources, Weighing 12 tonnes, the 15-metre-long Agni-I missile, which is propelled by single-stage solid rocket propellant system, has a range capability of over 700 Kilometers.

It has a specialized navigation system which ensures it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

The trajectory of the trial was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and naval ships from its launch till the missile hit the target area with pin point accuracy.

The missile has already been inducted in to Armed Forces has proved its excellent performance in terms of range, accuracy and lethality.

The Agni-1 missile was developed by DRDO in a short span of 15 months after the Kargil conflict to meet the requirements of the armed forces for such a class of missile.

Scientific advisor to Defence Minister Avinash Chander, DRDO Director-General (Missiles and Strategic Systems) Dr. V.G. Sekaran and other senior DRDO officials witnessed the launch, media reported.